SecAF visits McConnell AFB

Secretary of the Air Force Frank Kendall visited the 22nd Air Refueling Wing, 931st ARW and 184th Air National Guard Wing at McConnell Air Force Base to get an up-close visual of air-refueling aircraft and missions with a focus on service modernization April 3-4.

While touring various organizations, Kendall experienced McConnell AFB's direct impact on Air Mobility Command and the advancements in aerial refueling. He first toured a KC-135 Stratotanker to get an understanding of the older airframe before touring and flying aboard a KC-46A Pegasus.

During the tours, Kendall saw first-hand how McConnell AFB Airmen have led the effort to move the KC-46A Pegasus towards becoming fully mission capable and the conversion of the next generation of air dominance.

"Air refueling is vital to our Nation's ability to project power and Team McConnell's 22nd and 931st ARW's are key to that mission," Kendall said. "McConnell represents the long history of air refueling with KC-135s approaching 60 years old on one portion of the ramp, while their counterparts a short distance away are driving towards the future by bringing the KC-46's much newer capabilities into the operational fleet."

Chief Master Sgt. James Guldjord, 344th Air Refueling Squadron air refueling superintendent, teaches Secretary of the Air Force Frank Kendall about the air refueling station on a KC-46A Pegasus at McConnell Air Force Base, Kan., April 3, 2022. Kendall toured a KC-135 Stratotanker followed by a flight on a KC-46A Pegasus to take an in-depth look at the air refueling airframes. The purpose was to highlight modernization and compare old and new airframe capabilities. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Zachary Willis)

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